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hoof boots?

My mare has really good feet, but this fall/winter I am going to (hopefully) be doing a lot of trail riding. I was wondering about getting hoof boots to help with walk/trot on harder ground, but was also wondering if a hoof boot would help with better traction on snow? Or would they end up filling up with snow and just being a nuisance?

I had a pair of cavallo boots several years ago and only ended up using them a couple of times because they were so clunky and ended up rubbing the horse's pasterns. So, I want to make sure that if I do go this route I get something that is going to be user friendly and not a lot of bulk.

There are some hoof boot systems that allow for studs but in general you are better off barefoot in winter conditions. Hoof boots are slippery.

I have some concerns about torque using studs on boots because the boot is not attached to the hoof like a shoe. I'm not sure how well studs would work and if they'd cause other problems because the boot will stop but the horse's movement really doesn't. My husband is a mechanical engineer and he and I have talked about this.

As for rubbing? I have used Cavallos for several years and up until this year had no problems. This year my horse had an abscess blow out his heel and I haven't been able to use the Cavallos at all.

I think you have to experiment with different designs until you find one that works for your horse. Sometimes you can find barefoot trimmers who distribute multiple brands and have them come and fit your horse.

I have decided to try Glue On shoes to get me through the rest of my season.

I also use the Cavallo boots and haven't ever had a problem with rubbing. If they seemed clunky they may not have been the correct size for your horse. Cavallo now has studs available for winter riding that can be removed when they aren't needed. I love them and haven't experienced any problems!

I have used gloves for so much stuff now that I can get a set on in about 5 min for 4 boots. Leg boots take more time. Right now I have a mare turned out in gloves and equipak cs, she's really happy and her feet look better and better every time I take them off, which is about every two weeks. I'm obsessive about thrush control though.

send some of their smart literate deer who can read road signs up here since ours are just run of the mill dumb ones who get splatted all over creation because they won't stay in the woods

I really like the Easyboot Gloves that I use on my gelding for trail riding. They fit snug so nothing gets inside, and they are pretty affordable. I've been averaging a year per boot with my TWH, who forges, and is a pretty forward horse. So they're durable. I've never had problems with slipping (he is shod on the front, boots on the back), but I've never used them in the snow. I only ride horses in the snow barefoot all around, because of the ice build up.

The gloves don't work for all horses/hoof shapes though, so do a tracing if you decide to look into them, and follow their sizing guidance.

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." - Confucious<>< I.I.

I started using the Cavallo boots this year and really like them. They're easy to put on and take off and didn't have any issues with rubbing even after a full day on the trails. I don't think they're that clunky, I used to have old Macs, now that's clunky! I like the looks of the Renegades and may try those when the Cavallos bite the dust.

Yogurt - If you're so cultured, how come I never see you at the opera? Steven Colbert

I really like the Easyboot Gloves that I use on my gelding for trail riding. They fit snug so nothing gets inside, and they are pretty affordable. I've been averaging a year per boot with my TWH, who forges, and is a pretty forward horse. So they're durable. I've never had problems with slipping (he is shod on the front, boots on the back), but I've never used them in the snow. I only ride horses in the snow barefoot all around, because of the ice build up.

Gloves or Renegades are both great boots. I've used Gloves extensively on all sorts of terrain from river crossings to deep mud to rough rock and never had any problems. No rubs and only the very occasional boot pulled off and easily replaced.

With water crossings, the water would work its' way out of the sides. You can drill holes in the sole if you choose but I've not found them necessary. We just hose them off after we ride and let them dry between rides.

I really like the Easyboot Edge boots. It has a worm clamp system on the front so you can open up the boot wide and slip it on easily (no mallet required ). You can tighten them up easily as well. Much prefer these over the Easyboot bares, heck of a lot easier to get on and also adjust.